CONSTITUTION

of the
ALABAMA CHAPTER
of the
NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION

 

ARTICLE  I - PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY

Section 1.  Name and General Membership Requirement

This organization shall be known as the ALABAMA CHAPTER, of the National Emergency Number Association (AL-NENA).

Section 2.   Purpose

The purpose of the Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, shall be to:

A.    Foster the development, availability and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number, common to all jurisdictions, through research, planning, training and education; represent its members before communication regulatory agencies and policy making bodies as appropriate; and strive toward citizens having immediate access to emergency public safety services so that safety of human life, protection of property, and civic welfare are benefited to the utmost degree;

B.       Aid and assist in the timely collection and dissemination of information relating to a universal emergency telephone number;

C.   Prepare, publish, and distribute or cause to be prepared, published, and distributed, a publication as necessary.

D.   Provide for membership in this Association in accordance with the language and intent of its Constitution and Bylaws which are now, and may later be, in effect.  Membership shall not be limited other than by classification and good character, and shall have such rights and privileges as may be provided from time to time.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership Designations

The membership of this Association shall be divided into the classes of ACTIVE MEMBER, COMMERCIAL MEMBER, ASSOCIATE MEMBER, AND LIFETIME MEMBER.  Lifetime Member requires no annual membership fee.

Members shall be admitted in accord with the classification requirements set forth by the Executive Board of the National Association. Membership shall not be denied on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age or numerical limitation.  All members are eligible to serve on committees if appointed.

1.1  Active Member

       The following shall be eligible for ACTIVE membership in this Association: any administrative, supervisory and telecommunication personnel responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling and operating functions required in the design, promotion, construction, installation, maintenance, command and/or operation of local 9-1-1 /public safety communications systems who are employed or salaried by federal, state, or local government agency, or an agency substantially supported by government funds.

1.2  Commercial  Member

       The following shall be eligible for COMMERCIAL Membership in this Association: those persons in the business sector who receive the majority of their compensation from the design, manufacture, sale, service, maintenance, lease, rental or promotion of equipment or systems which are used or can be used in public safety emergency systems; and those persons who are engaged in writing, publishing, advising and consulting in the public safety emergency communications field or who distribute goods and represent companies, firms or persons including themselves and others who profit materially from such activities.

1.3  Associate Member

       Those persons not eligible for, or restricted from, the ACTIVE or COMMERCIAL class of membership shall be eligible for Associate membership.

1.4  Lifetime Member

       Life membership is an honorary term, determined by a member's regular classification and shall be bestowed by the Executive Board of the National Association.

Section 2. Dues

The due rate for each class of membership in this Association is set forth in the National Constitution and Bylaws, and specifies the rate of dues returned to the state chapter.

Section 3. Voting and Officer Restrictions

All Active, Commercial and Lifetime members of this Association have the right to vote and the right to hold the elected office of Vice President subject to restrictions for office of Vice President.  Only ACTIVE or LIFETIME ACTIVE members may hold the elected positions of President. Members may run for only one position/office during any election.

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS

Section 1. Designation

The offices of the Association shall consist of the following: President, and Regional Vice Presidents from each of the four LATAs: Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville. One Vice President who is a Past President of Alabama NENA and holds an Active or Lifetime Active membership. One Vice President At-Large. One Vice President who holds a Commercial Membership.

All offices will be filled by election at the Annual Conference of the Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association.

• Candidates for the office of Regional Vice President must reside within the region for which they are nominated and be an Active or Lifetime member as defined in Article II Membership designation.

• Candidates for the office of At-Large Vice President must be an Active or Lifetime member as defined in Article II Membership designation.

• Candidates for the office of past President Vice President must be an Active or Lifetime member as defined in Article II Membership designation and have served as President of the Alabama NENA Chapter.

• Candidates for the Office of Commercial Vice President must hold a Commercial Membership and have their primary residence in the state of Alabama.

• If the membership classification of an Officer changes during their term of office such that the Officer is no longer eligible to hold the office, the office shall be declared vacant. 

Section 2. Election Procedure

2.1    The Chairman of the Nominating committee shall request nominations for particular offices from the membership through the chapter Publication at least 120 days before the Annual Conference.  Nominees must be eligible to hold the office for which nominated in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws.

2.2    After receipt of nominations from the membership, the Nominating Committee will report a final slate of candidates at least 40 days before the date of the Annual Conference, together with ballots. Officers shall be elected by secret ballot from this final slate, prepared as required by the Bylaws (Article IV, Nominating Committee) and this section.

2.3    Election ballots shall be returned no later than 2:00 o'clock P.M. on the first full day of the Annual Conference. All ballots shall be returned unopened to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee.  The full Nominating Committee will then open and count each ballot.  Challenges as to the validity of any ballot shall be settled by the Executive Board of officers.  Upon completion and certification of the ballot count, the results shall be forwarded to the President.

2.4    Election to office shall be determined by receiving a simple majority (50% plus 1) of the votes cast.  If more than two candidates compete for the same office, and a simple majority of one candidate is not achieved, the candidate receiving the most votes shall be declared the winner.

ARTICLE IV - ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Section 1. Definition

The annual meeting of this Association shall be known as the Annual Conference.

Site and date for the Annual Conference of the Association shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board of Officers.  Announcement of future conference sites shall be made at the close of the Annual Conference, by the incoming President.

ARTICLE V - TRADE MARK PROTECTION

Section 1. Statement of Policy

The NENA logo is a registered trademark and its use, except as specifically provided for in this Article, shall be strictly controlled by the Executive Board of the National Organization.

1.1    Chapters are specifically authorized to use the logo for stationery purposes in the pursuit of their normal business activities.

1.2    The use of the logo in the manufacture of jewelry and hardware and in conjunction with the identification and/or commercial activities is expressly prohibited except as provided for in Section 1.3 herein.

1.3    Any deviation from the restrictions of Section 1.2 above shall require the express written authority of the Executive Board of the National Emergency Number Association in each particular instance.

ARTICLE I – ELECTION OF MEMBERS

Section 1. Membership Applications

Applications for membership, and the reporting thereof, shall be executed upon standard forms as approved and directed by the Executive Board of the National Emergency Number Association.

ARTICLE II - OFFICERS  (GENERAL)

Section 1.  Terms of Office

Elected officers shall assume their duties and authorities at the business meeting of the Annual Conference at which they are elected.  Officers shall remain in office until the installation of their elected successor, or the investiture of their successor, as provided in Section 2 herein.

The President’s term shall be for one year, starting and ending at the annual conference. The Vice President’s terms shall be for two years, starting and ending at the annual conference on the following schedule.

          Odd numbered years

                      Mobile LATA Vice President

                      Birmingham LATA Vice President

                      Commercial Vice President

                      At-Large Vice President

          Even Numbered Years

                      Montgomery LATA Vice President

                      Huntsville LATA Vice President

                      Past President Vice President

Section 2. Succession of Office

At the Annual Conference, an investiture will be held wherein the person elected to the Office of President will assume the Chair. Regional Vice Presidents will also assume their Office.

Section 3. Vacancies in Office

Vacancies in the offices of President shall be filled by the Immediate Past President. Vacancies in the Office of Regional Vice President shall be filled by appointment from the Executive Board until the next annual conference when the position will be filled by election.

ARTICLE III - OFFICE (DUTIES AND AUTHORITY)

Section 1. President

1.1 Authority:
The President's power shall include authority to:

A.    Carry out duties as delegated in this Article, and those policies duly adopted by the Executive Board;

B.       Appoint special Committees to perform tasks deemed necessary;

C.       Call any committee into session at any time;

1.2    Duties - In addition to such other authority, the President's duties shall include the following:

A.    Preside at all meetings of this Association and/or the Executive Board and Serve as Chair of the Executive Board;

B.    Appoint committees in accordance with Article IV of these Bylaws;

C.   Report on the State of the Association to the membership at its Annual Conference;

D.   Carry out the purposes of this Association as set forth in its Constitution and Bylaws;

E.    Keep the Executive Board informed of Association matters;

1.3    Parliamentary Authority

          The President's parliamentary decision upon the Conference floor shall be final, provided it not be in conflict with the Conference Rules of this Association; and for other matters by Roberts Rules of Order to the extent practicable.

Section 2. Vice President(s)

            2.1  The Vice Presidents shall serve as an Executive Board and will conduct the business of the association in accordance with these by-laws. The Executive Board will elect the following Officers from among themselves.

2.2    First Vice President

          It shall be the duty of the First Vice President to perform all the duties of the President in his/her absence.  When so acting, the First Vice President shall have all powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The First Vice President shall have such other duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated by the Executive Board.

2.3    Secretary

          The Secretary shall provide for the notice and keeping of minutes and records of the Annual Conference of this Association, and serve as the Secretary for all meetings of the Association and/or Executive Board.

         The Secretary shall have such other duties and exercise such authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the President or Executive Board.

2.4         Treasurer
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to provide for the keeping of the books and accounts of the Association and to furnish reports of same at all meetings of the Association and Executive Board. The Treaurer shall have such other duties and exercise such authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the President or Executive Board.

Section 3. Executive Board

3.1    The Executive Board membership shall include the President, Immediate Past President, and all Vice Presidents. The Immediate Past President shall meet with and serve the Executive Board in an advisory capacity, without vote.

3.2    Authority

         Authority is hereby provided for the Executive Board, between Annual Conferences, to perform all functions and do all acts which this Association might do or perform except it shall not have the power to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws.  Its decisions shall be final in matters determined “reasonable and proper”.  It has the power to convene or poll itself by a majority vote.

         The Executive Board may expend funds from the treasury not to exceed $2,500 or one-half the treasury balance, whichever is smaller, without vote of the membership.

3.3    Duties

          The Duties of the Executive Board are as follows:

A.    Make appropriate recommendations to the membership at the Annual Conference on matters considered by the Board since the last Annual Conference;

B.    Supervise all accounts and expenses of the Association, and review the audit of the accounts of the Association;

D.       Review, modify as necessary, and approve the proposed budget of the Alabama Chapter, such budget to show anticipated revenue, expenses and the desired objective, and anticipated expenses of any projects that are not a part of the regular activities of the Association.

E.       Conduct the annual conference.

3.4    Meetings

          The Executive Board shall meet at such times and places as the President shall designate, or as the Board itself may otherwise deem necessary by majority vote of its members.

If both the President and Vice President are absent from a meeting, and if a quorum is otherwise present, any member may call the meeting to order and the first order of business must be to elect a temporary Chair to serve for the duration of the meeting, or until the President or Vice President arrives, whichever occurs first.
 

3.5    Quorum

          A meeting of the Executive board shall not be official and no business may be conducted unless attended by a majority of its members.
 

3.6    Compensation
Board Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses related to their service. Board members may also receive compensation for performing work for the Association.

ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees

1.1    Nominating Committee

          The members of this committee are the Immediate Past President and four other members appointed by the Executive Committee, preceding the Annual Conference by at least 90 days.

          The Committee shall report a slate of nominees for Second Vice President and Secretary.  The slate of nominees shall be presented to the membership in accord with the election procedure stated in the Constitution, Article III, Section 2.

Section 2. Special Committees

Special committees may be appointed by the President as necessary.  Members of these committees shall serve at the pleasure of the President, and their terms otherwise shall expire concurrently with that of the President.

Section 3. Duties Of Committees

Where not otherwise specified, duties of committees shall be designated by the President.

ARTICLE V - DUES

Section 1. Dues Rates

Annual dues rates for the National Association are set by the Executive Board of the National Association for each membership classification, and a designated portion of those dues shall be returned to the Alabama Chapter.

There are no separate dues for membership in the Alabama Chapter.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

There shall be an official publication of this Association, which shall be governed by the Executive Board. The Executive Board will publish this publication as necessary.

ARTICLE VII - PROCEDURES

Section 1. Amendment Procedure

1.1    Statement of Restrictions

          The Constitution and/or Bylaws of this Association may be amended only by a majority vote of the voting membership, as specified herein.

1.2    Requirements

         The proposal to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws of the Association shall be honored from any chapter member.  Errors in the format of such proposal shall not be sufficient cause for rejection.

         An amending proposal shall be submitted by the maker in written form to the Executive Board and its format shall in order be:

A.    Indication of the name of the maker of the proposal;

B.    Indication of the intent of the proposal;

C.   Indication of the Annual Conference where consideration is desired;

D.   Indication of the Article(s), Section(s), and Paragraph(s) of the Constitution and/or Bylaws proposed to be amended;

E.    Proposed amending language.

1.3    Drafting of Resolutions to Amend

          A resolution to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws of this Association shall be based upon the required amending proposal and with the guidance of the Executive Board, it shall be so devised and drafted by the President.

A copy of the draft resolution shall be provided to the maker prior to publication for his/her concurrence.

 

Participation by the Executive Board in these matters shall not be construed to imply their support of the measures considered therein except when the Executive Board initiates an amending resolution.

1.4    Required Publication

          An amending resolution which has been processed with the requirements of Section 1.2 and 1.3 of this Article shall be published and distributed to all members of this Association no less than 30 days before the Annual Conference for consideration.

1.5    Quorum Revision of Resolutions

          A conference quorum may make amendments to a resolution to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws by means of a majority vote on each proposed resolution amendment.

1.6    Effective Date of Amendments

          Resolutions passed and adopted by this Association in accord with other provisions of the Constitution and/or Bylaws shall be in force and effect upon the adjournment of the Annual Conference where considered and adopted, provided an exception to this effect is not otherwise contained in the language of the resolution adopted.

Section 2. Impeachment

A two-thirds majority vote of the total membership shall be required for the removal from office of an officer of this Association.

Section 3. Parliamentary Procedure

Upon any question coming before this Association not otherwise specifically provided for in the Constitution and/or Bylaws, the presiding officer shall be governed to the extent practicable by Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VIII - DISBURSEMENT OF ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION

Section 1. Statement of Intent

Should the Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, Inc. be dissolved, all assets shall be distributed to an organization, or organizations, of similar purpose as selected by a two-thirds majority vote of an Annual Conference quorum, or by the Executive Board if between Annual Conferences.

ARTICLE IV - ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Section 1. Conference Quorum

The members attending a business session of an Annual Conference shall constitute a Conference Quorum.

Section 2. Conference Rules

Conference rules may be established by a majority vote of the Annual Conference Quorum. The Conference rules shall be part and parcel of these Bylaws provided the provisions of Bylaws Article VII, Section 1.5 are waived with respect to the Conference rules only.

ARTICLE X - GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Section 1. Application for Funds

The President of this Association or any member designated by him/her may make application to philanthropic organizations, corporations, agencies, groups, or persons for grants or contribution of funds or property for carrying out general or specific purposes of this Association.

No application shall be made to, or contribution received from, any person or agency except after a determination by the Executive Board that a grant or contribution to the Association would be motivated by the desire to further the purposes of the Association and not to derive personal benefit or privilege to the donor.

Section 2. Acceptance of Grant or Contribution

Any member who may be offered a grant, or contribution, or contract for this Association shall immediately notify the President and no grant or contribution shall be finally accepted by the Association except upon approval of the Executive Board.  The terms of any such grant or contribution shall be set forth in writing and signed on behalf of the Association and the donor.

Section 3. Administration of Funds.

Any grant or contribution of the Association shall be credited to its general fund unless, under the terms-thereof, a special fund is of such grant or contribution shall follow the procedure defined for general funds of the Association, unless provided for otherwise in the terms of the grant or contribution and agreed upon by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE XI – RETENTION OF PROPERTY INTEREST

Section 1. Retention of Title

All rights, title, and interest, both legal and equitable, in and to property of this Association shall remain in the Association.

Section 2. Requirements for Return of Property

All property of the Association in the possession or trust of a member or employee shall be returned immediately to the Association in the event of his/her death, resignation, suspension, or expulsion.